How to insert media card into BlackBerry

For a new BlackBerry user, it may be difficult to insert the memory card (media card/ microSD/ microSDHC card) in the BlackBerry particularly when the user is trying it for the first time. A microSD media card is a removable flash memory data storage device. When inserted into a BlackBerry smartphone, a microSD media card can expand the memory available for storing files such as videos, ring tones, pictures, and songs. Below is the simple guide to walk you through on how to insert the memory card into BlackBerry.

The media cards are getting cheaper day by day and you can get the 8 to 16 GB media card at around 30 to 35 USD. In technical terms these media cards are known as microSD (go up to 2Gb) or microSDHC (above 2Gb and are designated a High Capacity). You also get the bigger size SD card adapter which holds this tiny microSD card inside so that you can have this bigger SD card size adapter inserted directly into your PC/ laptop multiple card reader slot.

Supported BlackBerry Models and microSD media card sizes

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 was the first BlackBerry to offer support for MicroSD cards and it is supported on all models released after Pearl 8100. If you are using older model like 72xx or 8700, you are unfortunately out of luck.

Before you buy higher capacity memory card find out the maximum microSD card capacity compatible with your BlackBerry which depends on the version of the Blackberry Operating System (OS). You can check the current version of OS on your BlackBerry by going into Options and then About. The version of OS is listed in the third line. Below is the list of BlackBerry OS and supported media card size as per RIM Knowledge base article.

BlackBerry Device Software version 4.2.0 Up to 2 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.2.1 Up to 4 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.2.2 Up to 4 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.3.0 Up to 8 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.5.0 Up to 8 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.5.0.81 Up to 16 GB BlackBerry Device Software version 4.6.0 and later Up to 32 GB

Below are the pictures taken from BlackBerry user guides for all current models which shows how to insert media card into BlackBerry. Once you know how to insert media card, it’s easier for you to remove the media card.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Storm2 – 9550, 9520

1. Using the notch, lift then remove the battery cover 2. With the metal pins facing down, insert / remove the card as shown 3. Replace the battery cover. Press in on the battery cover (where the notch is located) until it clicks into place

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Bold 9700

1. Slide the battery cover down the back side of the device 2. Insert the media card into the slot so that the metal contacts on the media card point up, and face the device 3. Slide the media card into the media card slot so that the media card clicks into place 4. Replace the battery cover

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Curve 8520, 8530

Lift off the battery cover from the bottom.

Insert the media card into the slot so that the metal contacts point down into the slot, and face the device.

Slide the media card into the media card slot so that the media card clicks into place.

Replace the battery cover by sliding the tabs back into the notches.

Push down the battery cover so that it clicks into place.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Tour 9630

Hold up the release button for the battery cover and lift off the battery cover.

Hold the media card so that the metal contacts on the media card face down and point toward the right side of your device.

Slide the media card into the media card slot until it stops.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Bold 9000

1. Lift the edge of the cover for the media card slot. 2. Hold the media card so that the metal contacts on the media card point toward the front of your device. 3. Slide the media card into the media card slot so that the media card clicks into place. 4. Flip the cover for the media card slot down. 5. Press down on the cover for the media card slot so that the cover clicks into place and lies flat.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Curve 8900

1. Press the release button for the battery cover. 2. Lift off the battery cover. 3. Place the media card with the metal contacts facing down into the media card slot, and slide it to the right so that the media card clicks into place. 4. Slide the battery cover into the notches, then push down so that it clicks into place.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Storm 9500, 9530

Slide up the release buttons for the battery cover and lift off the battery cover.

Hold the media card so that the metal contacts on the media card face down and point toward the top of your device and the notch on your media card is on the right.

Press the battery cover release button, and slide off the battery cover.

Remove the battery from the battery well.

Slide the media card holder door towards the hinges to unlock it.

Lift and open the media card holder door.

Remove or insert the memory card into the holder door, so that the metal contacts match up to the device.

Close the media card holder door and lock it into place.

Re-insert the battery.

Replace the battery cover.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Pearl 8220

Open the memory card cover.

With the metal contacts on the card facing up, insert the memory card into the memory card slot.

Push on the memory card until it clicks into place.

Close the memory card cover

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Pearl 8110, 8120, 8130

Lift the edge of the cover for the memory card slot.

Rotate the cover 180 degrees.

Hold the memory card with the metal contacts facing towards the front of the device.

Slide the memory card into the slot until it clicks into place.

Rotate the cover back into place.

How to insert media card into BlackBerry Pearl 8100

Press the batter cover release button.

Slide off the battery cover.

Remove the battery from the battery well.

Slide the media card holder door towards its hinges to unlock it.

Lift the media card holder door

Remove or insert the memory card into the holder door.

Close the media card holder door and lock the hinges.

Replace the battery and battery cover.

Whoooh, I didn’t notice until today that all the BlackBerry models have almost different way to insert media card. Out of above, which BlackBerry do you think has an easy way to insert/remove media card from user’s perspective?

Go to Options – Memory (Media Card) and see if “Media Card Support” is ON.
Try to reinsert the Media Card again. Disconnect the BlackBerry from the PC if connected while checking above.

Test the Media card into other BlackBerry and see if it’s operational.

Stefon August 4, 2010 at 2:09 AM

I am having the same issue with BB 9700. It works in other BB’s but not this one. Media card support is on and mass storage as well but still nothing. It says media card is not present…

Ifeon August 12, 2010 at 2:33 PM

My Blackberry 8520 is having the exact same problem! There is a 2GB Kingston MicroSD memory card in it and it keeps saying ‘media card is not presently inserted in device’. I’ve tried every thing from restarting the phone, taking out the battery, turning the media card support off and back on but nothing seems to be working. Plus the memory card is brand new! I’m going crazy here and I really hope you can help me.

I understand it’s a new Media card and you’ve done all the troubleshooting you can do on a BlackBerry.

I think it’s time to test that card into a different BlackBerry and insert any working media card in your BlackBerry and see what happens. Make sure BlackBerry is not connected to any PC while doing these tests.

i cant get my media card out of my bb9700
i haven’t taken it out ever, the Rogers person put it in …

Amiralion July 12, 2011 at 6:48 AM

bb bold 9000 inserted a 2 gb memory card shows as MEDIA CARD INSERTED but it dose not show in d system or in the saving option how do i get tat option

Karinon September 3, 2011 at 7:04 AM

Thanks you, this was the first of several sites I tried that bothered to tell me which way round to insert the media card! I would like to know what I’m supposed to do with the adapter it came with though – what’s it for? I’m sure many people will find my ignorance hilarious but not being a mobile expert, all these bits of kit seem to just arrive without me ordering them, with a note to suggest I should be grateful and no explanation at all!